Our Vision - Healthy People

November 14  |  FOOD SAFETY

Spread the cheer this holiday!

Don’t let foodborne illness ruin your holiday gatherings. Learn how to prevent it!

What causes a foodborne illness (food poisoning)?

It takes several steps to get food from the farm or fishery to the dining table. Contamination can occur at any step in this process—during production, processing, distribution or preparation. Most food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. List of foodborne disease-causing organisms

Bacteria and Viruses Bacteria and viruses are the most common cause of food poisoning (such as Salmonella, Norovirus, E. coli and Listeria). The symptoms and severity of food poisoning vary, depending on which bacteria or virus has contaminated the food.

Parasites Parasites are organisms that derive nourishment and protection from other living organisms known as hosts. In the United States, the most common foodborne parasites are protozoa, roundworms and tapeworms.

How do I know if I have food poisoning?

Symptoms may range from mild to severe, and include:

• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Dehydration

What should I do?

If you experience symptoms of food poisoning, such as diarrhea or vomiting, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. See your doctor or healthcare provider if you have symptoms that are severe, including:

• High fever (temperature over 101.5°F, measured orally)
• Blood in stools
• Frequent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)
• Signs of dehydration, including a marked decrease in urination, a very dry mouth and throat or feeling dizzy when standing up
• Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days

How do I prevent food poisoning?

Following four simple steps at home — Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill — can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning.

CLEAN - Wash your hands and surfaces often.

SEPARATE - Don’t cross-contaminate.

COOK - To the right temperature.

CHILL - Refrigerate promptly.

www.miOttawa.org/food - www.cdc.gov/foodsafety - www.foodsafety.gov

If you believe you or someone you know got sick from food, even if you don’t know what food it was, please report it to the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. Reporting your illness may help public health officials identify a foodborne disease outbreak and keep others from getting sick. To report a foodborne illness, call 616-396-5266. 

Media contact:

Kristina Wieghmink
Communications Specialist
616-494-5597 or kwieghmink@miottawa.org

Ottawa County Department of Public Health is dedicated to protecting health and promoting quality of life through prevention and control of disease, injury and disability. We help assure conditions in which all people can achieve optimum health, so residents may benefit from using our evidence based public health programs and services. Public Health has a vital role in all of our lives, and empowers communities with the necessary tools, knowledge, resources and opportunities to make lasting change.

www.miOttawa.org/miHealth

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